BRPI0922559A2 - Method and System for Enhanced Ecommerce Shopping Experience - Google Patents

Abstract

Method and system for enhanced e-commerce shopping experience is an e-commerce system and a method that combines different product presentation formats, each format having a video presentation component. One such format is the presentation of a pre-existing live-home video production broadcast, consisting of continuously programmed segments, each segment featuring a product or set of products. The other is the video on demand (flight) format, where users can request different video streams. Flight streams are similar to live streaming, but are stored on a server and arranged in one or more different segment orders compared to the original live stream order. Third, a catalog of traditional e-commerce products can be presented. however, as an enhancement, the product catalog can be attached to the flight server, and stream the presentation segment associated with each product when the user is viewing the product details page for that product.

Description

“METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFECTED PURCHASE EXPERIENCE IN ELECTRONIC COMMERCE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and system for offering products and services through various formats. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include offering a product catalog to a user, a live video stream displaying products that the user can purchase, and on demand video streams displaying products that the user can purchase.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure in this patent document contains material for which a copyright claim has been made. The copyright holder has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent document or the disclosure of the patent by anyone, as found in the patent and trademark files of the Patent and Trademark Office ), but reserves all other copyrights, whatever they may be.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Trade can be carried out in several locations. In particular, commerce can be carried out in real or electronic space, that is, as electronic commerce. ^R Electronic commerce is conducted through a computer network. Servers are used to store products and transaction information, and computer terminals are used by buyers to access information stored on the server in order to view and modify that information through a transaction.

Another way of directing products to the consumer includes a video of the products and associated information, presented in conjunction with an order fulfillment mechanism. For example, a television channel may present one or more pieces of jewelry with a phone number to place an order.

In addition, television has evolved, no longer merely transmitting and receiving different programs (for example, one stream per channel). A limited amount of programming is now available on demand (VOD). Some VODs are pay-per-view, 30 in which the viewer is charged a fee for the content. Other VODs are free, or unlimited, with a monthly subscription.

It would be desirable to be able to combine and improve these resources to offer consumers a superior format for purchasing various goods and / or services.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a system can be designed that includes a video component, a processing component and a communication component. For example, an exemplary system can be implemented together with a general purpose computer (PC). The example system can be a desktop computer, laptop, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), smart-phone, television with internal or attached processors (for example, a “junction box”), or any number of other systems that provide the essential elements of the present invention.

The system can provide a combination of product presentation tools to facilitate a diverse shopping experience for the user. For example, exemplary systems and methods can provide three general presentation formats. First, a user may be able to browse an electronic product catalog. This catalog may contain all available products, may contain products that are not available in other formats, or may not have some products that are available in other formats. Second, the user has the possibility to watch a live video feed. This can be an ongoing video presentation of different items for sale. Several companies already present products for sale on one or more television stations, in one or more broadcast areas. The exemplary modalities of the present invention can operate in this established service and present the live transmission of this ongoing program. The program itself can be live or pre-recorded, and the live format can show the live broadcast of the program. This program can have information incorporated in the signal transmission, such as a textual description about the product and the conditions of the offer. The information may include a phone number for ordering the product. When transmitted to a passive television, the embedded information may be the only source of information about the product or ordering conditions. However, when accessed through a system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, additional information or options may be provided by the exemplary system, during the presentation of the program. An example may include an alternative purchase mechanism, such as an e-commerce order form provided in conjunction with the item shown. Alternatively, you can provide a link to the page in the online catalog where the product presented at a given time is available for purchase. This page can be a web page accessible via the internet, a page of decoder displayed on a television, or any number of other interactive display pages. Additional product information, interactive sets of information, recommendations for similar products, advertisements or any other relevant material can be presented together with the product presentation.

A third format that can be provided by the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is a system for displaying VOD products. This part of the exemplary modalities may include several presentations from which to choose, preferably organized into categories (for example, Home and garden, jewelery, clothing, etc.). Any number of subcategories can also be used in this section. The VOD section may include live streams, similar to the live section, may include stored video, or may be a combination of both. The stored video may include segments previously broadcast live from products still available for purchase, and may include segments available only in the VOD section (for example, not previously shown in the live section).

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include a method of presenting e-commerce products. The method may include providing a user interface. The method may include displaying a multiplicity of product categories. The method may include receiving user input by selecting one of the multiple product categories. The method may include viewing a video stream, where the video stream is streamed from a VOD server, and where the video stream includes video presentations of the products for sale, where the products for sale are all from type belonging to the selected product category. The method may include displaying a link in the vicinity of an area displaying the video stream, where the link provides information about a product currently being featured in the video stream. In response to user input by selecting the link, the method can display additional information about the product currently being presented. The method may include offering a user input mechanism, associated with the link, to indicate the desire to purchase an item associated with the link (for example, a “buy now” button). The method may include displaying a second link in close proximity to the link, where the second link provides information about a product that was previously featured in the video stream. The method may include restarting the video stream at a starting point for presenting a product associated with the second link, in response to the user's click on the second link. The method may include displaying a third link in close proximity to the link, where the third link provides information about a product that will later be shown in the video stream. The method may include advancing the video stream from a starting point to a presentation of a product associated with the third link, in response to the user clicking on the third link. The video stream can be pre-recorded and stored on a server. The method may include providing an option, selectable by the user, to display a live video stream, and to display the live video stream in response to the user's selection.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an electronic commerce method, including providing a multiplicity of video streams to a plurality of user devices, receiving input from a user requesting a specific video stream of the multiplicity, transmitting the video stream prompted the user, provide information about a product for sale, in which the product is featured in the specific video stream, and receive user input requesting the purchase of the item. The multitude of video streams can be organized into a multitude of categories. At least one category can be organized into a multiplicity of subcategories. Streaming (streaming) can be done through a television transmission network or a computer network.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include an e-commerce system, including a computer with a display medium, in which the system is configured to provide a set of user interfaces. The exemplificative system can have a first user interface configured to receive and display videos received from a VOD system, where the VOD system includes a multiplicity of video segments, where each segment includes a presentation of at least one product available for sale , in which the multiplicity of video segments is organized in a multiplicity of categories, and in which at least one category is organized in a multiplicity of subcategories. In addition, the first user interface can be configured to receive user input by selecting a desired category from the multiplicity of categories. The first user interface can be configured to display one or more video segments associated with the desired category. The first user interface can be configured to display information associated with a product, where the product is featured on a video segment currently playing. The first user interface can be configured to receive input from a user, indicating the desire to purchase the product. One or more video segments associated with the desired category can be displayed one at a time in a predetermined order. The user interface can be configured to display a multiplicity of links, where each link is associated with a product, where the links are organized in an order according to the predetermined order of one or more video segments. The user interface can be configured to display a video segment associated with a link, in response to the user selecting the link.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include the production of a continuous set of video segments, each segment containing a product or set of products for sale. The exemplary method can transmit this ordered set as a home purchase television program. The continuous set can be divided into different segments and stored on a video server. The segments can be marked with various categories, attributes and characteristics. The example method can then provide users with a user interface (UI). The UI can display the broadcast program and can enhance the broadcast program with additional information and options related to the featured product. The UI can provide a VOD system, in which users can stream different sets of video segments, and the UI can provide enhancements to those video segments. The UI can provide an e-commerce catalog, where each product in the catalog has different descriptions, and each product has a video segment associated with the product. The associated video segment can contain this product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1 to 12 are exemplary user interfaces, in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a system diagram, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a flow chart illustrating an example of the VOD presentation format, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a flow chart illustrating an example of the VOD presentation format, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a flow chart illustrating an example of the VOD presentation format, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a flow chart illustrating an example of the VOD presentation format, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 18 to 27 are exemplary user interfaces, in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a system can be designed that includes a video component, a processing component and a communication component. For example, an exemplary system can be implemented together with a general purpose computer (PC). The example system can be a desktop computer, laptop, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), smart-phone, television with internal or attached processors (for example, a “junction box”), or any number of other systems that provide the essential elements of the present invention.

The system can provide a combination of product presentation tools to facilitate a diverse shopping experience for the user. For example, exemplary systems and methods can provide three general presentation formats. First, a user may be able to browse an electronic product catalog. This catalog may contain all available products, may contain products that are not available in other formats, or may not have some products that are available in other formats. Second, the user has the possibility to watch a live video feed. This can be an ongoing video presentation of different items for sale. Several companies already present products for sale on one or more television stations, in one or more broadcast areas. The exemplary modalities of the present invention can operate in this established service and present the live transmission of this ongoing program. The program itself can be live or pre-recorded, and the live format can show the live broadcast of the program. This program can have information incorporated in the signal transmission, such as a textual description about the product and the conditions of the offer. The information may include a phone number for ordering the product. When transmitted to a passive television, the embedded information may be the only source of information about the product or ordering conditions. However, when accessed through a system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, additional information or options may be provided by the exemplary system, during the presentation of the program. An example may include an alternative purchase mechanism, such as an e-commerce order form provided in conjunction with the item shown. Alternatively, you can provide a link to the page in the online catalog where the product presented at a given time is available for purchase. Additional product information, interactive sets of information, recommendations for similar products, advertisements or any other relevant material can be presented together with the product presentation.

A third format that can be provided by the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is a presentation of VOD products. This part of the exemplary modalities may include several presentations from which to choose, preferably organized into categories (for example, Home and garden, jewelery, clothing, etc.). Any number of subcategories can also be used in this section. The VOD section may include live streams, similar to the live section, may include stored video, or may be a combination of both. The stored video may include segments previously broadcast live from products still available for purchase, and may include segments available only in the VOD section (for example, not previously shown in the live section). Figure 1 illustrates a possible layout for a home screen of a user interface. On this screen, the three product presentation formats are displayed for selection by the user. Figures 1B and 1D illustrate other example layouts for the home screen of the user interface.

Figures 2 to 2D illustrate exemplary embodiments of a home page for the live feed portion of the exemplary user interfaces. As illustrated, this screen can include information about the current show / host / guest, about the next presenter / host / guests, or any other relevant information (for example, 210). Information about the current product, together with a purchase option, can be provided to the user (eg 220). Past and upcoming products can also be displayed alongside the current product. The user can scroll through these products to preview and / or purchase them. However, the user cannot advance the live video to future segments / products, because they are in the live section. However, the user may be allowed to rewind or repeat previous segments, or to pause the current broadcast. This would be a hybrid live / VOD function similar to the digital video recording technology offered to pause live television. Alternatively, the user may be having no pause / replay options, and would need to access the previous videos in the VOD section, once available. Regardless of the repeat function in the live section, a user may be allowed to view and purchase past or future items (for example, as illustrated in the dashed line box 220). Alternatively, this feature may not be available, and the user may be limited to purchasing only the active item, and only while that item is active. This modality can be advantageous in that it encourages the user to buy a desired item, instead of procrastinating and then forgetting to purchase the desired item.

Figures 3 to 3D illustrate exemplary embodiments of the user interface for the VOD part of the present invention. Here, as Figure 3 illustrates, after the user has selected the VOD option, several options are presented to the user. Section 310 shows a scrolling list of various categories, from which the user can choose. The Today’s Features category is highlighted as this category is being played in the video portion of the interface (e.g. 330). A category (for example, Today’s Features) can be set as default, and is automatically loaded when entering the VOD section (for example, Figure 3). Any other pattern is possible, including the live program, advertisements or any of the other categories available. In addition, standard playback may be based on the user's purchase history, viewing history, or stated or inferred preferences. For example, the standard video may be the product within a selected category that most people have purchased, from people who have purchased items similar to those that the current user has purchased. The dashed line box 350 of this example interface shows three boxes of items. The box in the middle of 350 can include the item that is currently being displayed in the video portion of the interface (for example, 330). As illustrated, the item can include a buy option for the user to purchase the item being presented. The other 350 boxes, of which two are illustrated, but any number is possible, can illustrate the items that are shown in the video, before and / or after the current item. Selecting these buttons can restart the video at the beginning of the presentation for that product. Alternatively, a selection of a different product can provide preview information and an option that the user can select to restart the video on that item. This later mode allows one to watch a presentation of interest while browsing through the other available items. The 350 item boxes do not necessarily need to correlate with the video’s broadcast schedule. Regardless of which product presentation is currently playing, previously played, or scheduled to play, selectable items in box 350 can be associated with any product within the previously selected category. Alternatively, the items can be product suggestions related to the product currently being viewed and the suggestions can be from the same or a different category. Exemplary modalities can have both options: first it offers links to the products corresponding to the video transmission order, and, after the user selections, it can change to other relevant products.

The presentation in this section may include additional features for ease of use. For example, menus focused on the center (for example, menus where the active item is in the center) can have both scroll arrows and enable delayed scrolling when the selection pointer (for example, mouse) is above or below the active item, but within the menu area. For example, if a user pointed to an area of 310 just below Today’s Features after a delay, the menu may slowly start to scroll down (that is, in the direction that makes “Kitchen & Dining” the active item). In addition, if the user pointed to an area 310 below (for example, near “Crafts & Sweing), the menu may scroll down faster. The same feature, but in the opposite scrolling direction, applies to the user pointing to areas above the active item. The same features can be applied to 350, and to any other scrollable menu of the exemplary modalities. An additional feature may include looping video playback. The video currently playing can be configured to restart after completion. Alternative implementations are also possible, such as skipping to the next product video, or simply finishing the video presentation. It is also possible to offer more category levels than illustrated in 310. This may include additional category sections, or the replacement of the current category (for example, 310) with the next category selected by the user. In the latter mode, forward and back buttons can be provided to navigate the category hierarchy. An example of this may include: Live programs or previously recorded programs. Each of these can then be followed by categories 310 that apply to the respective parent category. Each of these categories (for example, Jewelry) can also be divided into subcategories (for example, gold, silver, diamonds, etc.).

Figure 3B illustrates an example of a user interface after a category has been selected (for example, 312 Beauty ”). 311 illustrates an example of the aforementioned back navigation option, which can be used to return to the list of categories (for example, 310). Here, at 333 of Figure 3B, several sets of videos are presented for selection. The sample interface can be configured by default for a “watch all” set, which can include all videos in this category. “More popular, newer, record-breaking sales, or any number of other sets of attributes could be built. In addition, the video area can play something else, such as an ad. In addition, the default configuration may not be universal, but specific to each user. Thus, the default channel can be the channel most frequently chosen by that user, the product channel most frequently purchased by that user, or the channel corresponding to the preferences defined by the user. Likewise, user preferences or activity history can be used to set standards in any other part of the example modalities.

In addition to videos designed to present the product for purchase, there may be videos in the Education section designed to teach the buyer how to best use the product. Here, product demonstration videos, tips and instructions can be available for any number of products in this general category. An advantageous feature of the user is to make the selected category “Beauty” move (for example, by means of animation) from its original position (for example, the middle of 310) to 311. This can help the user to associate the button navigation return with its function.

After the video starts to play, the currently displayed product can be highlighted (for example, centered, lit, magnified, etc.) with a buy option. Past and future products in the current flow can be displayed adjacent to the highlighted product. Along with the buy option, information can be displayed along with the product, such as the current price. An exemplary mode of “highlighting” may include gradient background lighting. For example, the highlighted item (for example, icon link) may have a background graphic that consists of a color gradient centered behind the highlighted item (for example, icon link) and consistent with the color scheme of the current user interface (for example, as shown in Figure 21). This highlight, together with the other exemplary modalities of this feature, can apply to any aspect of an exemplary modality in which the user's selection is available (for example, the list of categories, the product catalog, the video list, etc. ).

It can be noted that when a program is originally shown (for example, on a television station), a graph is usually displayed with certain time-sensitive information (for example, price, quantity, etc.). There are a number of ways to deal with this when the video is repeated later. One way is to present a statement / warning: "The prices shown in the video previously recorded may not represent the current price". Alternatively, advantageous methods may include: directing the original transmission to the VOD recorder before that transmission passes to the graphics device, or else storing the video without the time-sensitive information displayed. As an alternative or in addition, the exemplary modalities can overlay a new graphic that is the old graphic location, with updated information. This can be done to hide the old information, or to enhance the video stored without the old information. The overlay can be done on the users' machine (for example, the computer), or it can be done on the VOD server before transmission or during transmission. A VOD server can be one or more servers optimized for streaming video, or it can be a general-purpose computer, capable of streaming video segments as described here. The VOD server can use a file storage structure with metadata, it can use a database storage system (for example, a series of vlobs), or any other multimedia storage and streaming configuration. Figures 3C to 3E illustrate other exemplary user interfaces similar to those in Figures 3A and 3B.

Figures 4 to 4D illustrate exemplary modalities of the product catalog or “All Products” section. As illustrated in Figure 4, there may be a set of facades, and a scroll bar to view more facades. Each of these categories can be previously discussed (for example, “Health”, “Beauty”, Clothing, etc.). Figures 5A to 5H illustrate progressions of additional subcategories. In Figure 5A, Departaments are listed under the Beauty category selected by the interface shown in Figure 4. Figure 5B illustrates a set of categories under Makeup, which the user can select. Once the user has selected the illustrated categories, the user can select “view products” or any other similar action button (for example, send). The user can then be taken to a page, like the one illustrated in Figure 6. Here, (for example, at 620) the user can further refine the set of items. The refinement criteria could be anything, such as brand, price, size, color, etc. In addition, once the last set of results is provided, the user can then sort by a criterion, for example, provider choices, most popular, price, etc. A final set of products can be presented in the classified order, for example 650. The user can then select a product to view and / or buy, or scroll through the different product pages. Advantageously, when the user places a pointing device over an item (for example, a mouse) or clicks on an item, that entry can be enlarged, highlighted, highlighted, etc. The selected item can also load display information elsewhere in the screen, for example, 630. Figures 6B to 6D illustrate alternative exemplary modalities similar to Figure 6. Other arrangements are possible, for example, as in Figure 7.

Figures 8 to 8D illustrate a product details page. These are exemplary modalities of the user interface after the user selects one of the products in Figure 6, for example. As illustrated, there may be related products, product images, product details, a purchase option, and a related video. The video part could be a stream from the VOD segment where this product was presented for purchase. In this way, the product details page of the product catalog (for example, Figure 8) is similar to an active VOD page (for example, Figure 3). In addition, the product details page (for example, Figure 8) can be accessed via the VOD page (for example, Figure 3), or by any part of the modality that includes the product. Upon entering the product details page, the associated video can automatically start playing. However, if no video is associated with the product at this time, that area can display a single image of the product, a slide show of the associated images, an advertisement, or any number of other things. Figures 9 to 9C illustrate exemplary embodiments of the product details screen, with an expanded textual description section. Figures 10 to 10D show an additional detail screen that can be used with products that have several options (for example, size, color, etc.).

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include areas of interactive help topics related to any of the features and / or products offered. Figures 11 through 11C illustrate examples of a Help Center interface. This example includes a help topic menu similar to the category menus discussed earlier. In addition, there is an 1110 information box. This can be textual information, an explanatory video, animations or any number of other help presentations. Users of the example system may be able to create a save their information and / or the status of the items in their “shopping cart. Figure 12 illustrates an example authentication screen for this account. This example also provides a number entry option for entering numbers with the pointing device. E-commerce accounts are known in the art, and the modalities of the present invention can implement any number of known features in conjunction with the features discussed above.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the exemplary components of a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system can include a VOD server 1300, a product information and sales server 1301, a network of computer terminals 1302, and a television network 1306, including a multiplicity of set-top boxes 1308, each of which is associated with a corresponding TV 1309 and corresponding input device 1310, such as a remote control. Set-top boxes 1308 can be separated or integrated with their corresponding TVs 1309. This mode illustrates two networks of user devices (for example, a TV network and a computer network), but the exemplary modes can include only one of the two and / or other types of devices (for example, cell phones, PDAs, portable gaming systems, etc.). Product information and 1301 sales servers can store images and details about the various products for sale. In addition, information about the product and the 1301 sales server can be configured to facilitate electronic commerce and take into account the maintenance functions of the exemplary modality. The 1300 video server can store video segments for one or more products available for sale. Video segments can include segments previously broadcast on television that are produced to present and sell the featured product. The exemplary modalities may have additional live streams connected to the network (not shown).

Each of the 1300 servers, product information and sales server 1301, terminals 1303 and set-top boxes 1308 can be controlled by one or more corresponding processors (for example, 1315A-C), (collectively called processor 115 here ). Processor 115 can be any or a combination of appropriate processing systems, such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, and a field programmable logic arrangement. The processing system can be realized as any suitable computing device, such as a computer, PDA, laptop, laptop, a hard disk-based device, or any other device capable of receiving, sending and storing data. For control, processors 115 can execute program instructions. Some of these instructions can be pre-installed or loaded manually over time. Others can be transmitted between the different components of the system. Program instructions can be in any suitable form. Some or all of the instructions can be provided in programs written in a self-describing computer language, for example, the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) or the Extensible Markup Language (XML). Other instructions can be in pre-compiled languages, such as C, C ++ and basic, or in “just in time” compiled languages, such as Java and Microsoft. NET. The transmitted program instructions can be used in combination with other previously installed instructions, for example, to control a view of the data items described in a received program schedule sheet.

Each of the 1300 servers, the product information and the sales server 1301, the terminals 1303 and the decoder boxes 1308 can include or be in communication with the memories (for example 116A-C), (collectively called memory 116 here) , for storing data and / or program instructions. Memory 116 may include any combination of memory circuits, including electrical, magnetic and / or optical systems. Memory 116 may include, for example, Read-Only Memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and / or a mass storage memory.

Figure 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. First, in 1400, the example method, can provide the user with the three presentation formats, for example, VOD, Live, and the product catalog. This step will remain the same in the next two Figures, and Figure 14 will illustrate an example of the VOD format. For example, if the user selects the VOD format in 1405, the example method can display the various product categories in 1410. Then, in 1415, the example method can receive a user category selection (for example, as illustrated Figure 3). Then, in 1420, the example method can display a video stream from a VOD 1401 server. This video stream can include a series of product presentation segments, all of which are in the selected category. Video segments can be stored in a segmented and pre-configured format or selected at random. Alternatively, the video segments can be stored in a format combined with an intrinsic order. In 1425, in conjunction with 1420, the example method can provide product links, icons, information and / or function buttons (for example, as illustrated in Figure 4). In 1430, if a user selects a particular product, the example method can provide additional information about the specific product. In addition, selecting a product that is not currently being featured in the video stream can advance the video stream to the presentation of the selected product. The selection of the product can also lead the user to the entry of that product in the product catalog (for example, as illustrated in figure 10).

Figure 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and the Live Feed format. In 1500, the user is presented with the VOD, Live, or Catalog options again. In 1521, after the user selected the Live Stream format in 1506, the example method can display the live broadcast from the production studio 1502. Figure 15 illustrates a live broadcast leaving the production studio for the example method, and also by sending the live stream to the VOD 1501 server. However, alternative modalities can pass the stream through one or more servers (including the VOD server) before streaming to the user who chooses the live format. In addition, the live broadcast can be a truly live production, performed and broadcast directly to viewers. Alternatively, the transmission can be stored temporarily or delayed. The live stream can be a pre-recorded production stream that may have been an edited production or a live tape production. As illustrated, the live stream in general can be any stream being broadcast, regardless of the user's request for the program. In comparison to VOD broadcasts, which are stored on the VOD server 1501 until requested by a user, and then transmitted to the requesting user. The example method, can provide product links, icons, information, function buttons, etc., in 1526 (for example, as illustrated in Figure 5). If the product is selected in 1531, the example method can provide additional information about the product in 1536. This may include taking the user to the product catalog page associated with the user.

Figure 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and the Product Catalog format. In 1600, the user was presented with the options VOD, Live, or Catalog. In 1612, after the user selected the product catalog format in 1607, the example method can display the product catalog with search options and filter settings. These have been previously discussed with respect to Figures 6 to 8, and can include any number of attributes. In 1617, the example method can receive the user's selections and, in 1622, supply the resulting products (for example, as illustrated in Figure 8). In 1623, the example method can then receive a user selection for a given product from the resulting products. In 1627, the example method can provide product details, for example, as shown in Figure 10. One aspect of this may be to provide a video presentation of the selected product, for example, in 1630. This can cause the VOD server to broadcast the video presentation of that product within the product details screen. In 1625, the example method can provide purchase options, or any number of other functions to facilitate the sale of the particular product.

Figure 17 illustrates a method of the exemplary modality of the three-format product presentation system. In 1700, the example method could facilitate the production of video segments, each segment containing a specific product or set of products for sale. This can be a home shopping television studio that traditionally produces live segments featuring a product, product information, and a phone number to purchase the product. The segments are then transmitted by television waves, satellite signals, transmission cables, and any number of other means of transmission (for example, optical fiber). In 1705, the 1701 live broadcast was broadcast to several viewers. The 1701 live broadcast can consist of any number of formats, including the Internet, cable, satellite (for example, direct broadcast satellite, DBS), Teleco (for example, telephone line networks), optical fibers, etc.

In 1710, the example method partitions the segmented video into the respective segments. This means that the continuous transmission from the production studio is divided into each individual segment, in which each segment presents a product or set of products. In 1715, the segments can then be stored on the VOD 1701 server. The exemplary modalities may not actually partition the video transmission into different digital entities (for example, video files), but instead store the digital transmission as one or more blocks, where each block includes several “segments. In this mode, the blocks can be virtually partitioned by one or more methods. For example, a metadata database can be maintained, recording information about the logical partitions in the video (for example, the identification of Product ID 4 starts at this time stamp and lasts for 12 minutes, etc.). Other organization schemes are also possible. In addition, in 1720, the example method can mark each segment with other metadata. For example, a segment containing a $ 10 lipstick can be marked with the Beauty category, Makeup subcategory, and a “$ 10” price attribute. Other attribute marks are possible, such as brand, color, etc. Marking can be done by inserting metadata in the video file. Additionally or alternatively, markup can use a pointer system, and the exemplary modalities can maintain a metadata database where each record is associated with one or more video file identifiers. Exemplary modalities can store additional databases, including playlists for various sets of clips (for example, a standard playlist for the Beauty category).

Then, from 1730 onwards, the example procedure is similar to the modalities illustrated in Figures 14, 15 and 16. In 1730, the example method can provide a user interface with options for the VOD format, live format and product catalog . The user can select one of the three options. For example, the live option will show the live stream in 1738. The live stream may not actually go to the example method from the same source as the broadcast, but it can also pass through any number of other servers. streaming video. The live broadcast shown in 1738 is usually a video signal being transmitted regardless of any particular user requesting its broadcast. Alternatively, compared to 1733, where the example method provides the VOD format. Here, the VOD 1701 server streams only the video segments requested by a user. For example, in 1743, the example method can provide and display an ordered stream of video segments according to the preferences selected by a user (for example, the categories and filters already mentioned). The third format, the product catalog, can be presented in 1735. Here, after selecting a particular product, the VOD 1701 server can stream the video segment associated with that specific product, as part of the details page of the product for the specific product.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to one or more computer processors configured to operate according to a set of instructions stored in a computer-readable medium implemented in hardware to perform the methods described above, alone or in combination.

An example of a modality of the present invention is directed to a computer-readable medium implemented in hardware containing instructions adapted to be executed by the computer to perform the method described above, alone or in combination.

An example of a modality of the present invention is directed to a method of using a communication device to transmit data representing instructions, the data and instructions represented being executable by a processor to perform the methods described above, alone or in combination.

An example of a modality of the present invention is directed to a display device and / or interactive computer system through which the various interactive and / or passive user interface screens described above will be presented.

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to new designs of the various different user interface screens described above.

Exemplary modalities have been described above with reference to e-commerce “products”. Products are used for illustrative purposes and as a broad descriptive term. For example, all the exemplary modalities described above can be implemented for services or a combination of material goods and services. The term Products may include physical products, product rentals, digital products (for example, a software download), and / or service products.

The exemplary modalities have been described above with reference to video streams. The term video is used for illustrative purposes and as a broad descriptive term. For example, video streams and / or stored video may include a synchronized stream of audio presented with the video stream. The audio stream can be stored separately or together with the video stream. The audio stream can be streamed separately or together with the video stream. In addition, the exemplary modalities can present video without audio, and also the methods described above in relation to video can be applied to the collection, storage and streaming of audio without a video component.

Several exemplary illustrated modalities illustrate a series of lines from the bottom of the interface to the middle. The distance between the lines is increased towards the bottom of the interface. These lines can be literal lines illustrated in the interface. Alternatively, the lines represent a three-dimensional arrangement of the interface and / or the bottom of the interface. This progressive gradient is sometimes called the table top effect, and it illustrates a concept of interface surface space. These modalities are illustrative and are not limited, since any number of other modalities can provide the inventive aspects described above.

Examples of additional interface layouts are illustrated in Figures 18 to 27. Figures 18-23 have a layout similar to Figures 1 to 6, respectively, and Figures 24 27 have a layout similar to Figures 8 to 11, respectively.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate, from the foregoing description, that the present invention is capable of being implemented in a variety of ways. Therefore, although the modalities of the present invention have been described in connection with specific examples thereof, the true scope of the modalities of the invention should not be limited to this, since other modifications will be understood by those skilled in the art after studying the drawings and of the specification.

Claims (19)

1. E-commerce product presentation method, FEATURED for understanding: display, by a display device having a screen, a real-time video transmission on a first part of the screen, the real-time video referring to a first one; display a plurality of product categories on a second part of the screen; receiving, by an input device, a selection of user input from one of the plurality of product categories; in response to a selection made by the user of a particular category from the plurality of product categories, display a plurality of product links in the second part of the screen, each link being associated with a product of the selected category, each link including information related to an associated product; and in response to a selection made by the user of a specific link from the plurality of product links, display, in the first part of the screen, a pre-recorded video presentation of a product for sale associated with the specific link. the pre-recorded video presentation being transmitted from an on-demand video server, and the product for sale is a product of the selected category. 2. Method according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by additionally comprising: display a user input mechanism, which allows the user to purchase an item associated with the selected link, in a third part of the screen. 3. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the pre-recorded video presentation includes a plurality of video segments, each segment presenting a product or a set of products, the segments being in a first order, and the plurality of product links is displayed in a second order based, at least in part, on the first order. 4. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that each plurality of product links includes an image of a product in the selected product category. 5. Method, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the information related to an associated product includes an image of the associated product. 6. Method for implementing an electronic commerce, FEATURED for understanding: display, by a display device having a screen, a real-time video transmission on a first part of the screen, the real-time video referring to a product; storing a plurality of video segments on a server, at least one video segment including a product presentation associated with a respective product from a plurality of products previously transmitted, through the transmission of video in real time; display, in a second part of the screen, a plurality of links associated, respectively, with the plurality of products previously transmitted through the transmission of video in real time; and in response to a selection made by the user of a particular link from the plurality of links, display, in the first part of the screen, the video segment associated with the respective product associated with the selected link. 7. Method, according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it additionally comprises: providing a video stream including an orderly presentation of the stored video segments; and transmit the video stream in response to the user's selection of the particular link from the plurality of links, the video stream starting at the point in the ordered presentation where the product presentation associated with the particular product selection begins 8. Method, according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the streaming is carried out through a television transmission network. 9. Method, according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the transmission in flow is carried out through a computer network. 10. E-commerce system to present products for sale, FEATURED for understanding: a video on demand database configured to store a plurality of pre-recorded video presentations associated with the plurality of products for sale, and configured for a plurality of product links, each associated with a pre-recorded video presentation respective; a server configured to broadcast to a remote display device having a screen, a live video stream for a first product to be displayed on a first part of the screen, and a plurality of product categories to be displayed on a second part of the screen; and a processor configured to identify the plurality of product links associated with a particular category of the plurality of product categories in response to a user selection of one of the plurality of product categories; the server is still configured to transmit the identified plurality of product links to the remote display device to be displayed in the second part of the screen; and in response to a user selection of a particular link from the plurality of product links, the server is configured to transmit to the remote display device the pre-recorded video presentation associated with the private link to display on first part of the screen. 11. E-commerce system, according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the server is further configured to transmit to the remote transmission device an electronic user input mechanism to display on a third part of the screen, and that the user entry mechanism enables the user to purchase an item associated with the selected link. 12. E-commerce system, according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the pre-recorded video presentation includes a plurality of video segments, each segment presenting a product or a set of products, where the segments are in a first order, and the plurality of product links is displayed in a second order based in part on the first order. 13. Method, according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it also comprises displaying a user input mechanism, which enables the user to purchase an item associated with the selected link, in a third part of the screen. 14. Method, according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises providing additional information on a third part of the screen, the information pertaining to each product presented in the video stream. 15. Method, according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the transmission is performed over a wireless network. 16. E-commerce system to present products for sale, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a database configured to store a plurality of video segments, at least one video segment including a product presentation associated with a respective product from a plurality of products previously transmitted via a real-time transmission; a server configured to transmit to a remote display device having a screen, a real-time video transmission related to a product, and a plurality of product links associated, respectively, with the plurality of products previously transmitted through the video transmission in real time, with the real-time video broadcast being displayed on a first part of the screen and the plurality of product links being displayed on a second part of the screen; and a processor configured to identify the at least one video segment in response to receiving a user input selection from one of the plurality of product links; the server is still configured to transmit to the remote display device the video segment associated with the selected product link to display the video segment in the first part of the screen. 17. E-commerce system, according to claim 16, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the processor is further configured to generate a video stream including an orderly presentation of the stored video segments, and the server is still configured to transmit the video stream to the remote display device in response to the user's selection of the particular link from the plurality of links. 18. E-commerce system, according to claim 17, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the video stream starts at the point in the ordered presentation where the product presentation associated with the selected particular product starts. 19. E-commerce system, according to claim 16, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the server is further configured to transmit to the remote display device an electronic user input mechanism for display on a third part of the screen, and being that the user entry mechanism enables the user to purchase an item associated with the selected link.